The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has recommended the immediate suspension of DCP Abba Kyari, the Head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), from the Service of the Nigeria Police Force, pending the outcome of an ongoing internal investigation touching on him.
Recall, last week, DCP Abba Kyari was indicted by a US court sitting in California over alleged involvement in internet fraud of over a 1.1million US dollars with Ramonu Abba popularly known as Hushpuppi where it was alleged that he (Hushpuupi) swindled a Qatari businessman trying to set up a school in Qatar.
DCP Abba Kyari has since denied any involvement in the said internet fraud whose victim was said to be a Qatari businessman.
But the IGP, in his letter to the Police Service Commission, dated 31st July 2021, signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba, The IGP noted that the recommendation for the suspension of the officer is in line with the internal disciplinary processes of the Force.
He revealed through the letter that “The suspension is also expected to create an enabling environment for the NPF Special Investigation Panel to carry out its investigations into the weighty allegations against DCP Abba Kyari without interference.”
“The suspension is without prejudice to the constitutional presumption of innocence in favour of the officer,” He stated.
Recall, Nigerians have reacted to the indictment of Mr Kyari, with many calling for the extradition of the “Super Cop”. Just yesterday, in a statement by the Police service commission, It noted that “A US Court cannot order the arrest of a Non-Citizen resident in Nigeria.’ The statement further revealed that only the PSC has prerogative power to either suspend, demote or dismiss an erring officer.”
The Arewa Youths and the former Minister of Aviation, FFK, among others have also thrown their weights behind the embattled Cop, stating that he is innocent and shouldn’t be extradited.
A 4 man panel has been set up by the IGP to investigate the FBI’s indictment of DCP Abba Kyari. The panel is expected to do a thorough review of documents sent to the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI.
“The Special Investigation Panel (SIP), comprising four (4) Senior Police Officers, is headed by DIG Joseph Egbunike, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID).
“The SIP, inter alia, is to undertake a detailed review of all the allegations against DCP Abba Kyari by the US Government as contained in relevant documents that have been availed the NPF by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
“The SIP is also to obtain a detailed representation of DCP Abba Kyari to all the allegations levelled against him, conduct further investigations as it deems fit, and submit recommendations to guide further actions by the Force Leadership on the matter,” The letter stated.
The IGP has, however, reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to the Rule of Law and assured the public of the sanctity of the probe as well as the absolute respect for the rights and privileges of the officer throughout the period of the investigations.